Determination of specific heat capacity of sulphide materials at temperatures below 100 °C in presence of moisture

The specific heat capacity (Cp) of one copper and three nickel concentrates was determined using a self-heating apparatus and by drop calorimetry over the temperature range 50 to 80 °C in the presence of 6% moisture. The Cp values from both techniques were comparable and shown to be measuring the same property. The Cp values were similar for all four concentrates increasing from ca 0.4 to 1.4 J g−1 K−1 as temperature increased from 50 to 80 °C. Uses of Cp to identify self-heating risk and to modify the Rosenblum standard test are discussed.